SUPPLY CHAIN ARTICLES

• The Cell-Free Revolution: Breaking The Plasmid DNA Bottleneck

  I was excited to be given the opportunity to sit down with Jodi Barrientos, CEO, Ribbon Bio, to learn more about the current state of the synthetic DNA space. In the following Q&A, Barrientos and I discuss some of the synthetic DNA industry’s biggest goals and the challenges that stand in the way of bringing synthetic plasmids more commonly into the mRNA development paradigm. 

• “To Thine Own [mRNA Product] Be True:” Shakespeare's Guide To RNA GMP Principles

  In the following article, I offer some of the biggest tips and tricks experts offered during a panel discussion on the challenges of navigating GMP principles in the RNA space today — with a little bit of help from Shakespeare himself. 

• FDA Sets Recommendations For Predicting Dangerous Nitrosamine Impurities

  The FDA recently published a final guidance that sets a recommended framework for predicting the potential of nitrosamine drug substance-related impurities.

• mRNA Vaccines: Key Considerations For Development & Manufacturing

  As we wind down National Immunization Awareness Month, this article looks at the complexities around developing and manufacturing mRNA vaccines and how you should address those complexities. Topics include delivery, process validation, long-term effectiveness, GMP, regulatory approval, and more. 

• Therapeutic Oligonucleotides: Regulations & Quality Standards

  Oligonucleotides have surfaced in the past few years as promising therapeutic agents to treat diseases such as neurodegenerative disorders, respiratory disorders, cancer, and diabetic retinopathy. This article recaps a recent USP workshop where participants from regulatory agencies, industry, and academia gathered to discuss best practices and perspectives.

• Picasso, Pick-Up Lines, & Personalized Medicine: mRNA's Path Forward

  Overall, my presentation on what the mRNA industry can learn from the artist Picasso singled out a few specific areas from which I felt our industry could garner greater inspiration and operational prowess. But given how “collaborative” many of these sources of inspiration are, I’ve introduced each of my takeaways with a surprisingly relevant (albeit bad) art-themed pick-up line. After all, if there’s one sector that knows it takes more than one to “tango,” it’s the mRNA industry.